A Road Trip To Chattanooga: How Long Will It Take?

If you're planning a road trip from Alexandria, Kentucky to Chattanooga, Tennessee, the first thing on your mind might be how long it will take to get there. Luckily, we've got the information you need to plan your journey ahead of time!

Route Options

There are two main routes to get to Chattanooga. The first is taking I-75 all the way down, which is the quickest and most direct route. The second is taking I-64 West to Lexington, and then taking I-75 down from there. Although it takes longer, this route is great for sightseeing, especially if you've never been to Kentucky before.

Time It Takes

The total distance from Alexandria to Chattanooga is approximately 300 miles, and it can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours to complete the trip depending on traffic. The fastest route, via I-75, takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete. However, this travel time could easily go up to 6 hours if there's traffic.

At peak traffic times, such as weekday rush hours, it's best to avoid the I-75 route, as it can be very congested. Instead, opt to take the I-64 West to I-75 route, which is less busy. The alternate route takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes with typical traffic, and can run upwards of 7 hours in heavy traffic.

Tips for Planning

When scheduling a road trip to avoid bad traffic, there are a few tips that can be useful. First, try to avoid traveling at peak hours, especially during the workweek. In general, the worst hours to travel on the highways are from 7:00am to 9:00am in the morning and from 4:00pm to 6:00pm in the evening.

If you do have to travel during peak traffic times, consider staying overnight halfway through the trip. Doing so can split your travel time into two parts and it also gives you a well-deserved break to explore a new area.

With some planning, you can make your road trip from Alexandria to Chattanooga a stress-free voyage. Whether you choose to take the quickest route or take the scenic path via I-64 West, be sure to factor in traffic patterns to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.